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Heavenly Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake
Dolce Flav
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Cinnabon
Author:
Dolce Flav
Servings
16
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
This Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake delivers all the melty, buttery swirl goodness of a classic cinnamon roll—without the wait. A soft, moist cake batter is dotted with luscious brown sugar‑cinnamon ribbons, baked to golden perfection, then generously drizzled with vanilla glaze. Infused with Cinnabon flavor extract for that signature aroma, each bite evokes the irresistible scent of a mall bakery straight from the oven. This easy, no‑yeast recipe is perfect for brunch, snacks, or dessert, and is frequently among top‑ranking search results for cinnamon roll‑style cakes.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp salt
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1 cup granulated sugar
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4 tsp baking powder
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1½ cups milk
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2 large eggs
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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¼ cup (60 g) melted unsalted butter
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1–2 tsp Cinnabon flavor extract
Cinnamon Swirl Topping
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½ cup (115 g) softened unsalted butter
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1 cup light brown sugar
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1 tbsp ground cinnamon
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Optional: 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
Glaze
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2 cups powdered sugar
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4–5 Tbsp milk
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 tsp Cinnabon flavor
Directions
In one bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, eggs, vanilla, melted butter, and 1–2 tsp Cinnabon flavor until smooth.
Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and dot generously with a swirl mixture of softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and optionally a sprinkle of flour for structure.
Use a knife to create dramatic cinnamon swirls across the batter.
Bake until a toothpick comes out clean (~25–30 min).
Once out of the oven, mix a quick vanilla glaze with powdered sugar, milk, vanilla—and 1 tsp Cinnabon flavor—and pour it over the hot cake to create a luscious sticky topping.
Recipe Note
10 Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cinnabon flavor and how much should I use?
It’s a concentrated extract capturing that iconic butter-brown sugar cinnamon aroma. Use 1–2 tsp in batter and 1 tsp in glaze to mimic bakery-fresh scent.
Can I skip the swirl flour?
Yes—flour helps swirl hold its shape, but the cake still bakes beautifully without it.
What pan size is best?
A 9×13-inch pan yields ideal thickness. For deeper slices, try a 9-inch square or round pan (add a few minutes to baking time).
How to make it gluten-free?
Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend—add binding agents like xanthan gum if not already included.
Can I swap sugar types?
You can reduce sugar slightly or use coconut sugar, but the flavor profile may change; Cinnabon flavor adds richness that compensates nicely.
How to store leftovers?
Cool completely, wrap tightly or store in an airtight container—lasts ~3–4 days at room temperature or refrigerated.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes—freeze slices (glazed or unglazed) in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before serving.
What gives the cake its “Cinnabon-like” aroma?
The Cinnabon flavor extract plus cinnamon swirl work together to evoke the mall-bakery scent people love.
Is heavy cream a good alternative to milk in glaze?
Yes—a little cream yields a richer, thicker glaze—though milk keeps it light and pourable.
Can I make muffins instead?
Absolutely! Scoop into muffin tins, bake ~15–18 minutes, and drizzle glaze after cooling.